Packaging machine



Dec. 3Q, 1952 MEME-R 2,623,338

PACKAGING MACHINE Filgd Jari. 15. 195o 1o sneets-sheet 1 Dec.' 30, 1952J. RIEMER 2,523,333

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Jan. 13. 195o 10 sheets-Sheet 2 Mez/@2511: yMala@ .b/m1" "Deum-1952 xJ. `@man :2,523,338

PACKAGING- f MACHINE Filed Jan. 13, 195o lo'sheefes-sheet s gy: JM, y/m.

Dec. 3l), I"952 J. maman. 2,623,333

PACKAGING mesma,

Filed Jan. 13, .1950 10.. SheetSf-,fsheet 4 Dec. 36, 1952 J. msm-:R

PACKAGING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. @3. 1950 NQ@ NNW MSN /mmwSM ASM A Dec. 30, 1952 .JjmtMER 2,523,338

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15. 195o msheeits-sheet 6 Dec. 30, 1952mman 2,623,338

PACKAGING 'WEI-NE Filed Jan. 13, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 30, 1952 J.mamen PACKAGING MACHINE Flled Jan 13. 1950 10 'Sheets-Sheet 9 J RIEMERPACKAGING 'MACHINE Dec 39, 1952 Filed-Jam.` 15, 195o Dec. 30, 1952`Filed Jan. 13, v1.950l

J. RIE-:MER

PACKAGING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 Patented Dec. 30, 1952 PACKAGINGMACHINE John Riemer, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Kraft Foods Company,Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application January 13, 1950,Serial No. 138,426

15 Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to packaging machines and inparticular to a machine and method for applying a cover structure to anopen-topped, rectangular box or tray of the type employed in thepackaging of cheese foods and like products, and in particular to amachine and method for applying a hinged cover to such an open-toppedbox. As will hereinafter appear, the cover structure may also comprise adecorative jacket 'for enclosing the ends, sides, and top of the box,thereby enhancing the appearance of the iinished package.

The principal object of this invention is the provision of machinery forapplying a cover structure to an open-topped box rapidly andeconomically without damaging the contents of the box and withoutmarring the appearance of the cover structure. Other objects andadvantages of the invention will become known by reference to theaccompanying drawings (10 sheets) and the following description of onepreferred embodiment thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging machine embodying various ofthe features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the packaging machine shown inFig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the packaging machine shown in thepreceding gures, this view having been taken from the righthand side ofFig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the machine shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevational View of the machineshown inthe preceding gures;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6--6 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 'I-I in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken on line 8 8 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational View of the apparatus shown in thepreceding gures, various parts being cut away to show certain of theoperating details of the apparatus;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line lli- I0 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line II-II in Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on line |2|2 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line |3-I3 in Fig. 3; and

Figs. 14a to 14j, inclusive, are perspective views showing the stepscaried out by the ma- `chine in applying the hinged cover to the box".

The illustrated packaging machine is operable to apply a hinged coverstructure I5 (Fig. 143) to a filled, open-topped box. The open-toppedbox, indicated at I1 in Fig.v 14a, is particularly designed forpackaging process cheese or the like and comprises a bottom panel (notshown), end panels I9 and 2|, and side panels 231 and 25. Prior toentering the packaging machine which is to be described, an inner lineror envelope `2'I (Fig. 14a) is disposed within the box and the cheese orother material 29 (Fig. 147) is poured in the envelope until the desiredamount ofthe material is in the box II. The envelope 2T may then besealed manually, to provide a seal of the type shown at 3| in Fig. 14a,or this seal may be effected automatically by apparatus of the typeshown in Palmer Patent No. 2,331,927. The box whose envelope 2l has beenlled and sealed is then ready to have the hinged cover structure I5applied thereto.

The operation of the illustrated packaged machine will be brieydescribed in order to facilitate an understanding of the mechanicalconstruction of the apparatus. The hinged cover structure I5 isfabricated from a blank 33 which is in the shape shown in Fig. 14h. Theblank 33 is scored to provide a front panel 35, a top panel 3'1, and aback panel 39 which desirably correspond in size and shape to the sides23 and 25 and the ton of the open-topped box II. A tab or flap isdisposed at each end of each of the panels 35, 3l, and 39 in order toprovide means for attaching the cover structure I5 to the ends of thebox A flap 4| at each end of the back panel 39 is proportioned tosubstantially cover one of the ends I9 or 2| of the box I'I and a flap43 at each of the ends of the front panel 35 is generally triangularlyshaped, as illustrated, and is adapted to fold over the portion of theend of the box which is located generally above a diagonal lineextending rearwardly and upwardly from the lower forward corner of thebox I'I (Figs. 14e and 14j). A tab 45 is provided at each end of the toppanel, the tab 45 being rounded in outline. The tabs 45 are adapted to'be glued `or otherwise attached to the flaps 43.

In operation, the packaging machine applies a number of strips or linesof adhesive 41 (Fig. 14h) to the surface of the back panel 39 whichisadapted to be in contact with the side wall of the box I'I, and to theend naps 4| (Fig. 14h). Aline of adhesive 49 is also applied alongtheouter edge of the front panel 3 of the blank (Fig. 14h). The machine isthen operable to fold the blank 33 into a channel shaped section whichis moved over the box il' to be covered (Fig, lic). The machine thenfolds the end flaps lil over the ends I9 and 2! of the box il' andpushes the box into a guideway which causes the end flaps d3 to foldacross the ends of the box into the position shown in Fig. 14e. Themachine then operates to fold the end tabs 5 downwardly across the endsI9 and 2| of the box after applying a spot of adhesive to the end tabs.The completed package (Fig. 14j) may then be passed from the machineinto an auxiliary unit which h olds the flaps 4| and 43 and the tabs 65against the ends of the box until the adhesive has set.

When it is desired to open the container to obtain access to itscontents, it is merely necessary to run a knife or other similar objectbetween the forward panel 35 of the blank 33 and the sidewall 25 of thebox il' to break the single line ofv adhesive 69, the top of the packagethen folding back along a score line l which is intermediate the backpanel 39 and the top panel 3l of the package. As a result of theattachment of the flaps 11.3 to the tabs d5, the top construction isreinforced making possible repeated opening and closing of the topwithout distorting its shape.

The machine for applying the cover structure l5 includes a generallyT-shaped frame 53 (Fig. 4), the boxes of material to be coveredtraveling along the bar of the T on conveyor means and the blanks 3'3which are to be applied to the boxes being prepared and formed along thestein of the T and traveling towards the conveyor means to engage theboxes in the juncture at the stern and the bar. The frame 53 is offabricated construction and includes various horizontal and verticalframe members 55 which may be of the usual structural shapes. The frame53 is supported on the factory door on verticallv extending legs 5T(Fig. 2) which may be adiustable to dispose the unit in a horizontalposition.

The lled boxes to be covered are delivered to the packaging machine upona transfer conveyor (not shown) which moves the boxes onto a feedingconveyor 59, Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5. The feeding conveyor 59 comprises anendless oonveyor belt 5| whose upper run is supported upon a plane apron63 (Fig. 5). The conveyor belt 6| is supported at its delivery end unena support roll 6l! which includes a supporting shaft 66 which isjournalled in bearings 61 on the main freine 53. The belt 6l is adaptedto move the boxes .of material onto a dead space 65 on the apron 63which is provided adiacent the discharge end ofthe conveyor belt. Thedead space 65 is proportioned to hold one or more of the boxes to becovered. The boxes, at this point, are disposed with their longitudinalaxes normal to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt 5i of thefeeding conveyor 59.

At the end of the transfer conveyor 59 there is disposed an elevator 69(Figs. l, 2, '3, 4, and 5) which comprises an elevator head l i, asupporting stem 13 for the head ll, and an operating mechanism.generally indicated as 'l5 in Figs. 2, 3, and 5. The elevator head 'ilis supported on the upper end of the stem 'i3 and is rectangular inshape. The head 1l includes an upper, horizontally disposed surface 'ilwhich is proportioned to register with the bottom of the boxes .beingcovered and a side surface 19 (Figs. 2 and i5) which is proportioned torestrain the boxes .4 being discharged by the feeding conveyor 5Swhenever the elevator is in a raised position. The elevator head 'lloperates in a vertically extending guideway 8l, and one of the guidesurfaces, a surface 83 (Fig. 5) along the side of the elevator head lopposite the vertically extending elevator head side surface T9,constitutes a stop whereby the incoming boxes are indexed as they moveupon the horizontal, upper surface il of the elevator head l! under theaction of the feeding conveyor 59. The elevator stem i3 is generallyvertically extending (Fig. 5) and is slidably supported intermediate itsends in a bearing B5 for vertical reciprocating motion. The lOWel end ofthe stem 'It is connected to an operating mechanism which will besubsequently described.

At the uppermost point of the elevator travel a guideway dl (Figs. l, 2,Il, and 5) is provided which includes a smooth, generally horizontallydisposed plate 89 which extends parallel to the feeding `conveyor 59.The horizontally disposed plate 3S is elevated with respect to thefeeding conveyor 5! and the upper surface ll' of the elevator head 'ilmoves between the level of the apron 63 of the feeding conveyor 59v andthe level of the plate 89 to lift boxes from the apron 63 to the plateS9. The guideway 3l also includes inwardly biased, parallel, spaced partside walls Si and downwardly biased upper pressure plates t3 whichengage the ends and tops, respectively, of the boxes. The coverstructure is applied to the boxes during the portion of the operatingcycle wherein the elevator (-59 is adjacent its uppermost position, thisoperation being described in subsequent paragraphs.

The side walls el of the guideway el comprise vertically disposed,longitudinally extending wall members which are hingedly supported fromstanchions 97 which are attached to the frame members 55. The hingeconnection for each of the wall members Q5 includes a pair of parallellinks 99 which are pivotally attached by vertically extending pivots ilto the side wall inem- .bers 95 and by a second set of verticallyextending pivots H33 to the stanchions Sl. Springs 9d are disposedintermediate the links S29 and a fixed bracket i235 on the frame 53 inorder to bias each of the wall members 95 inwardly.

The upper, pressure plates 93 comprise longitudinally extending stripsof metal lr6 which are horizontally disposed and which are hingedlysupported from the stanchions 9i' by supporting arms It?. The outer endsof the supporting arms iEll' are pivotally attached to the strips lll byhorizontally disposed, longitudinally extending pivots IGS and the innerends of the arms lill are similarly attached to the stanchions 91 bypivots I il (Fig. '7). Resilient biasing for the strips llii is providedby a plurality of springs H3 which are attached to the arms [di and to axed point H5 on the stanchions 97.

The boxes being covered are moved from the elevator 59 into the guideway3l when the elevator 59 is at the uppermost point of its travel,

by means of a plunger mechanism lll (Figs. 1,

2, 5, and 6) which includes a cross head H9 proportioned to engage therearwardmost side wall of the box. The cross head I I9 includes at eachend thereof, an outwardly flared, forwardly extending folding plate IZI(Fig. 4) which is adapted to engage the `ends of the box. The cross headH9 is attached to a longitudinally extending member |23 which isslidably supported in a longitudinally extending guideway which isdefined by a pair of channel-shaped members A|25 (Fig. 5) supported on asub-frame |21 dis- -posed on the frame 53 above the feeding conveyor 59.The slidably supported, longitudinally extending member |23 is attachedto a pair of generally vertically extending pusher arms |29 (Fig. whichare operated in timed relation with the movement of the elevator 69. Theconnection between the arms |29 and the member |23 is effected by atransversely extending shaft |3| which is journalled in a block |33attached to the member |23, the shaft |3| having a pair `of links |35,one of which is attached to each end of the shaft |3|.

The links |35 are hingedly attached to the upper ends of the arms |29 byhorizontally disposed, transversely extending hinge pins |31. The lowerends of the arms |29 are journalled on a cross shaft |39.

As has been pointed out, the hinged cover structure is applied to thebox as the elevator 69 approaches its maximum elevation. The mechanismfor feeding the blanks 33 and for forming these blanks about the box towhich the blank is to be attached, is supported upon the portion of theframe 53 which extends normal to the conveyor means, the guideway 81 andthe feeding conveyor 59 which has been described. At the outer end ofthe frame 53 a magazine |4| is provided for the blanks 33. The magazine|4| (Figs. l, 2, 3, 9, and 11) comprises a plurality of verticallyextending guide strips |43 which are arranged in a generally rectangularoutline. The inner sides of each of the guide strips |93 are provided,adjacent the lower ends thereof, with a hook shaped portion |35 (Figs.3, 9, and l1) which is adapted to support a stack |91 of blanks 33(Figs. 3 and 9). The blanks 33 are arranged in the magazine MI with theside adapted to be disposed towards the box on the bottom and with theback panel 39, the

panel having the end flaps 4|, disposed towards the right hand side ofthe magazine 4| in Fig. 4.

The blanks 33 are withdrawn from the magazine I9! one by one, by avacuum picker |49 (Figs. 3, 9, and 11) which comprises a plurality ofvacuum cups |5| which are supported at the upper ends of verticallyextending vacuum pipes |53. The vacuum pipes |53 are supported upon ahorizontally disposed header |55 which is connected to a vacuum pump(not shown) by a conduit |51 (Figs. 3 and 9) which includes a camactuated control valve |59. The header |55 is attached to a frame |58which is slidably supported for vertical movement in guides |99 upon theframe 53. The header |55 is vertically movable in timed relation withthe other elements of the apparatus into the position shown in dottedoutline in Fig. 9 to pick a single blank 33 from the magazine and todeposit that blank upon a table I9! which is disposed below the magazineIM. In this connection, the table is provided with openings |63 forpermitting vertical movement of the cups |5|.

The blank 33 is moved from the table |5| towards the box about which itis to be disposed, by a pusher unit |65. lThe pusher unit |55 includes apusher bracket |61 which is slidably disposed for movementlongitudinally of the frame in a track or guide |1| (Fig. 11). Thepusher bracket |51 is attached to the upper end of one arm of a bellcrank lever |13 by means of a pivoted link |15, the link |15 beingattached to the pusher bracket |61 by a horizontallydisposed,transversely extending pivot |11 and to the `arm of the bell crank |13by a similar pivot |19.

`The upper portion of the pusher bracket |61'is adapted to move a blank43 forwardly along the table ||S| after it is deposited upon the table|6| by the vacuum picker mechanism |49. The blank is then engaged by apair of power driven propelling rolls |8| which rapidly move the blanktowards the point of attachment to the box, the direction of the arrow|92 (Fig. 9).

The propelling rolls |81 are particularly shown in Figs. 3, 9, and l0,and constitute a pair of horizontally disposed, vertically aligned,cylindrically shaped rolls |33 each of which is supported upon a drivenshaft |95. The blank 33 then passes over an applicator mechanism |89 forapplying adhesive strips or lines to the blank.

The applicator mechanism |89 (Figs. 3, 9, and l0) in the illustratedmachine, includes four applicator disks |9| which are attached to ashaft |93 which is rotatably supported in bearings |95. The shaft |93 ispower driven and the disks are disposed on the shaft as illustrated inFig. 10 to provide the single adhesive strip 49 along the lower portionof the forward panel 35 of the cover structure and to provide threeadhesive strips 41 along the rearward panel 39 of the cover structure.The lowermost point on each of the disks |93 is engaged by one of a pairof spaced apart rollers 91 which are positioned to dip into a pool ofadhesive |99 contained in a tank 29|. The rollers |91 are supported upona common shaft 293 which is journalled in bearings 295 in the sides ofthe adhesive tank 29|. As has been pointed out, the rollers |91 dip intoa pool of adhesive |99 during operation, the peripheral surface of eachof the rollers |91 picking up a film of the adhesive. Excess adhesive isremoved from the rollers |91 by a doctor blade 291 (Fig. 9) which isengaged against the peripheral surfaces of both of the rollers |91f Theadhesive remaining on the rollers |91 is then transferred to theperipheral surfaces of the disks |9| which surfaces are then contactedby a second doctor blade 299 (Figs. 9 and l0) to remove all except athin lrn of the adhesive. This remaining thin lm is then transferred tothe underside of the blank as it passes across the top of the applicatordisks |9|.

Before the rearwardmost portion of the blank 33 has been released fromthe pair of propelling rolls |8|, the forward edge of the moving blank33 is engaged by a second pair of propelling rolls 2 I (Figs. 3 and 9)which are similar in construction to the first pair of propelling rolls|8I. The second propelling rolls 2|| comprises a pair of horizontallydisposed, vertically arranged, cylindrical rolls 2|3 each of which issupported upon a shaft 2| 5 journalled in bearings 2| 1 on the frame.The shafts 2|5 are power driven as will be hereinafter described.

The blank, as it moves towards the elevator mechanism 99, then passesthrough a first pair of creasing rolls 2 9 (Figs. 1, 3, and 9). Thefirst pair of creasing rolls 2 9 in the illustrated structure, comprisesa pair of vertically arranged cylindrical rollers 22| which are oflarger diameter than the first and second pairs of propelling rolls |8|and 2H, respectively, and which are of a width which is substantiallythe same as the `width of the top panel of the cover structure.

Each of the creasing rollers 22| is supported `upon a shaft 223 which isrotatably supported upon the frame of the machine in bearings 225 (Fig.1). The rollers 22| are arranged one above the other and the supportingshafts i223 are power driven to propel the blank 33 towards the:relevatormechanism- 3Q at which pointithe blank .is attached tothe.open-'topped box.

While the central portion of the blanl; (the top vpanel'31) is engagedbetween the pair of creasing-rolls 2id, the side panels 35and 33 of theY blank are .engaged 'by a pair of diagonally disposed folding rods 22?one of which is attached to the frame ateach side'of the pair ofcreasing rolls 2id, the folding rods 22'1 being particularly illustratedin Figs. l and 9. The rods 22l are disposed generally along the line ofmovement of the blank 33 with the forwardmost end of each of the rods221, that is, the end advanced along the line oi-travel of the blank,disposed below the point of Contact between ,the rollers 22| orthecreasing rolls 2id The rearward end of each of .the rods22`l is:disposed above the line ofcontactbetween.theroliers 2.2i so that the.moving'blank isengaged by and is moved along the'rods 221. As shown inFigs. i and l2 the rods 221 arerather widely separated at their rearwardends andare spaced-apart adjacent their forward ends a distanceapproximately the width of the top panel or" the blank 33. Hence, as theblank 33 moves along the machine, its enga-gement with the folding rods22? causes the side panels of the blank to bend downwardly whereupontheblank assumes a channel shape with the end flapslii and 433 extendingforwardly and rearwardly oi the blank. Finally, as the blank 33 is aboutto become disengaged from the nip between the first pair o1" creasingrolls 2 E3, the forward edge or" the blank is engaged by a second pairof creasing rolls 229.

The second pair of creasing rolls (Figs. l,

3, 9, and l2) includes a pair of spaced-apart disks 23| which aredisposed upon a common shaft 233, each oi the disks 233i being providedwith a flange 235 whichis disposed about its outer peripheral surface.The supporting shaft 233 is journalled in bearings on the -frame, andthe shaft 233 anddisks 23| are power driven as will be described in .asubsequent paragraph. The iiangeddisks 23| constitute one of the secondpair of creasingrrolls223 and the other oi the pair of rolls 223comprises a pair oi disks 233 are spaced-apart so as to t between theilanges on the disks-23| (Fig. l2). The disks 23?; are located directlybelow the disks 23| and are supported upon a shaitffil which isiournaiied in bearings 243 on the main frame. The shaft 26| is alsoconnected'to a source oi power. the

lank 33, which has .been partially formed: into a channel shape by thefolding rods 221, passes between the second creasing .rolls a sharp foldis eiiected intermediate the side panels and 35i and the top panel 31 toprovide neat, right angle edges for .the finished container.

As the blank leaves the second pair of creasing rolls 229, it ispositioned directly over the box to be covered by means of an indexingmechanism 245. The indexing mechanism 26:15 (Figs. 3 and 9) includes anindexing finger 261 which extends vlongitudinally ci the line ofmovement of the blank 33 from the magazine iil to the point oiattachment to the box at the elevator mechanism dii. The linger 241comprises an elongated link which has one of its ends notched, as shownat 252, to engage the central portion of the end tab t5 which isdisposed at the rearward end (along the line of movement) of the blank33. The indexing finger 2te extends between the ilanged disks 23| of thesecond pair of creasing rolls 229 and its rearward end is hingedlyattached to agenerally vertically extending U- shaped' actuating'fra'me25| about a rhorizontally `disposed hinged axis 253'(Figs. 3, 5, and 9).`It will be noted that'the lforwardend of the indexing finger 231 isslidably supported upon a horizontally extending guide 25d which isdisposed between the disks 233 of the second pair of creasing rolls 223.The lower end of the U-shaped frame 25| (Fig. 5) is attached to a crossshaft 255 which is rotatably j ournalled in bearingsi 251 on the frame.The cross shaft 255 is rotated by means of anoperating arm 259 (Figs. 3and 5) which is'rigidly attached at one end to the shaft 255 and whoseother end is provided with a earn follower 26| which engages theperipheral surface of an operating cam 263 (Fig. 3).

As soon'as the cover structure is'indexedover the .box which is to becovered, vthe plunger mechanism H1 moves the cross'head ||9longitudinally towardv the guideway 31 whereuponl the cross head M3engages the rearwardly'disposed,

ide-panel 33 of the cover structure, the folding members |2| forcing theend vilaps 4| inwardly across the ends of the box (into Vthe Vpositionshown in Fig. 14d). As soon as the end iiaps 4| and the rearwardlydisposed side-panel 39of'the cover are pressed against the contiguoussides of the box, the adhesive strips 41, applied by three of the disks|9I, cause the end flaps 4| and side panel 39 to adhere to the sides ofthe box. The plunger then continues to move and forces the partiallyenclosed box into the lguideway 81 deiined by the upper pressure platesV93, the yieldingly supported side WallsSS, and the continuous bottomplate. This movement into the guideway 81 causes the end flaps '43 to beengaged by the side walls of the guideway 31 thereby folding these iiapsacross the end flaps 4| which are secured to the ends of the box Vby theadhesive. (The aps lll and 133 are then in the position shown inFigqlfie.) Inaddition, the movement of the plunger forces theiorwardmost side-panel 35 of the cover structure against the adjacentside of the preceding box, andas a consequence the strip of adhesive i9disposed along the lower edge of the side panel 35 provides sealingcontact with the box.

VIn the guideway Si'the upper pressure plates 93 force the top panel 31of the cover structure downwardly against the-contents of the box, theside walls 95 of the guideway 81 hold the end ilaps -li and i3 inoverlapping relation, and the pressure of the plunger forcing the boxesthrough .the guideway causes the side panels 35 and 39 to becomesealedto the sides of the box. At this time the end tabs e5. on'the ends ofthe top'panel 31 extend outwardly in a horizontal plane between the sidewalls 95 'and the upper pressure plates 93.

As the row of covered boxes moves along the guideway S1, a daub ofadhesive is applied to the runderside of each of the end tabs l5 by apair of dauber units 265 (Figs. '1, 2, 5, and 8). One of the dauberunits 235 is located on each side of the guideway Si and each unitincludes anr applicator member 23'@ which moves between a vat of,adhesive` 239 on the frame and the underside of tically extendingguideway-211. Another 'section 21| b of theV frame 21| extendslongitudinally along the guideway 81 and supports the applicator member261. A tab-positioning member 219 is disposed adjacent the uppermostposition of each of the applicator members 261, the mein-- ber 219 beingsupported upon one end of an arm 28| which is attached to the pressureplates 93. The forward edge of the member 219 is flared as illustratedin Figs. 2 and 5 to position the tabs 45 for the daubers, and inoperation the applicator members 261 move from a position in the vat 269(the position being shown by the dotted outline in Fig. 8) to a positioncontacting the tabs 45 which are disposed beneath the members 219. Thisreciprocating movement is effected by a generally vertically extendinglink 283, an operating arm 285, a cam 281 and a cam follower 289 (Figs.2 and 5). The upper end of the link 283 is pivotally attached to themember 213 which interconnects the hook shape frames 21| for the dauberunits 265. This connection is effected by means of a transverselyextending, horizontally disposed hinge pin 29|. The operating arm 285 isrockably supported upon a transversely extending, horizontally disposedshaft 293 attached to the frame, and one end of the arm 285 is hingedlyconnected to the lower end of the link 283 by a pivot pin 295. The otherend of the operating arm 285 is attached to the cam follower 289 whichis engaged against the cam 281. The cam 281 is supported upon a shaft296 which is operated from the drive mechanism in timed relation withthe other elements of the apparatus as will hereinafter be described.

As the covered boxes reach the end of the guideway 81 they are pushedinto a turning unit 291 (Figs. 2, 5, and. 7) which rotates the box 90about its longitudinal axis and delivers it to a holding conveyor 259.The turning unit 291 includes a pair of transversely spaced apart endV.A

lyV disposed shaft 395 which is rotatably sup` The shaft ported inbearings 391 on the frame. 385 is rotated by a crank arm 389 (Figs 2 and5) attached thereto, the crank arm 309 being connected to an operatingcam 3|| (Fig. 2) by a link 3|3 and an operating arm 3|5. The operatingarm 315 is generally vertically extending and is rotatably supportedadjacent its lower end upon a transversely extending stub shaft 3|1. Theupper end of the operating arm 3|5 is connected to the crank arm 389 bythe link 3|3 which is pivotally attached to the crank arm 389 by a pivot3|9 and to the operating arm 3 |5 by a pivot 32|. The operating arm 315includes, intermediate its ends, a cam follower 323 which is engagedagainst the cam 3| supported upon the transversely extending shaft 296.The shaft 296,` as has been pointed out, is connected to the source ofpower for the unit.

Under the operation of the cam 3H the two end plates 38| are operable tomove as a unit between the position shown by solid lines in Fig. 2 andthe position shown in dotted outline in Fig. 2. In this manner a singlebox is received from the guideway 81 and is moved downwardly onto atransfer tray 321.

In order to disengage the covered container from the end plates 30|, thetransfer tray 321 is provided with an ejector plunger mechanism 329(Figs. 2, 5, and '7). The ejector 'plunger 329 includes a verticallyextending bracket 33| which is slidably supported in a track 333 (Fig.7) attached to the tray 321, for movement Vlongitudinally of theguideway 81. The bracket 33| has a depending web 335 to which the upperend of a rock arm 331 is connected by means of a pivoted link 338. Thearm 331 supports a cam follower 339 intermediate its ends which engagesthe cam 281 so as to rock the arm 331 and thereby reciprocate theejector plunger 329. Thellnk 338 is pivotally attached to the web 335 bytransversely extending, horizontally disposed pivot 343 and to the upperend of the operating arm by a similar pivot 345.

The conveyor 299 is similar in construction to the guideway 81 andincludes inwardly biased side members 342 which are spaced apart adistance such that the end flaps of the covered box will be held againstthe box and downwardly biased pressure plate 344 which engage the sidewalls of the cover against the box. Desirably, as illustrated, at leastthe discharge end of the holding conveyor 299 is provided with powerdriven, flexible conveyor belts 346 intermediate the side walls 342 andthe ends of the boxes (Fig. 4). Similarly the bottom of the dischargeend of the conveyor 298 desirably constitutes a belt conveyor 346a.

Drive mechanism The entire packaging machine, with the exception of theincoming conveyor 59 and the holding conveyor 299, is driven from asuitable source of power, which in the illustrated apparatus is anelectric motor 351. The motor 341 is mounted upon the frame 55 beneaththe adhesive tank 29| (Fig. 3). The output shaft 341a. of the motor 341is connected by means of a pair of sprockets 348 and 349 and a drivechain 359 to a horizontally disposed shaft 35| which extends parallel tothe supporting shafts for the setsof propelling rollers |8| and 2||,:adhesive applicator mechanism |89, etc. (Fig. 2). The shaft 35| isjournalled for rotation in suitable bearings 353 (Fig. 5) on the mainframe 55.

In order to drive the mechanism which forms the blanks 33, a drive chain354 is trained around a sprocket 355 attached to the shaft 35|, asprocket 351 attached to the shaft |93 of the adhesive applicator disks|9|, and a sprocket 359 on a shaft 38| which supports operating cams363, 364, and 365 (Figs. 3 and 9). In this connection, a cam follower366 (Fig. 9) operatively connected to the vacuum control valve |59 isengaged against the cam 363 (Fig. 3). The vertical movement of thevacuum picker unit |49 is effected by means of a cam follower 361 (Figs.9 and 11) which is attached to frame |58 of that unit, the follower 361being engaged against the cam 364 (Figs. 3 and 5). The pusher unit |65is reciprocated longitudinally of the path of movement of the blank tobe formed, in timed relation with the i other elements, by a camfollower 368 attached to one of the arms of the bell crank lever |13,that lever being hingedly attached to the main frame 55 by a pivot 369(Fig. 9). In order to maintain the proper tension in the chain 354, anadjustable chain tightener 31|] is disposed along the run as illustratedin Fig. 3 and Fig. 9.

The two sets of propelling rolls |8| and 2|| are driven from the shaft|93 of the applicator disks |9| by means of a chain 31| which is trainedaround a sprocket 312 on the shaft |93 and sprockets 313 and 315attached to the lower of the supporting shafts 2|5 and |85 for thepropelling rolls. The upper of each `Qfthesets. offpropelline: rolls |8|and 2|| are driven from the lower, of:

isA attached to the shaft 203 andthe other of( which is attachedtotheshafl.. |93 (Fig.` 10) .v

The creasingv rolls2 |9 and 2,29 are driven from the cross shaft 35| bymeans of a, drive chain 383. Thev `clhiain 393 engages a sprocket 38.5on

the cross shaft 35| with a sprocket 33,3 on the` lower of the shafts 223andwitha sprOckCtSQ; which is attached tothe shaft 2M. Therupper of thecreasing rolls in the set-.S 2|9, and,2249.; are

driven by sets of meshing spur gears `39| and 393,.

respectively, from the lower o f the rolls (Figsr 11 and 5). Thesprocketsand gears whichl haveA been described arel s o proportionedthatgthe entire blank forming operation is. carriedon as a.

continuous, smooth movement which, is timed with the operation of the.package elevator unit 69..

The timing and operating means for the plunger mechanism and for theelevator mechanism 09 is driven from a horizontally disposed shaft 395which is arranged transversely of the line of movement of the incomingconveyor 59 (Figs. 2 and 3). The shaft 395 is journalled in suitablebearings 391 on the main frame and is connected to the cross shaft 35|which has been described, by means of a gear train 393 (Figs. 2, 3, and5). rIhe gear train 399 includes a horizontally disposed stub shaft 40|which intersects the axis of the cross shaft 35| and which is connectedto the cross shaft 35| by a set of miter gears 403. The stub shaft 40|carries a spur gear 405 which meshes with a spur gear 407 on the endofthe shaft 335; The shaft 395 carries cams 409 and M' which areinterengaged by cam followers Ml and 4|3 connected to th'e plungermechanismv and to the box elevator mechanism 99, respectively. In thisconnection, the shaft |39 upon which the lactuating arms 29 for theplunger mechanism ||1 is mounted. is connectedto the cam follower 4||through an arm M fixed to the shaft |39,` this constituting a part ofthe plunger operating mechanism. The reciprocating movement of theelevator mechanism 69- is effected fromy the( cameM by opera-4 tivelyconnecting the cam follower M3" to the lower end of the elevatorsupporting stern 'i3 by a bell crank lever 4|`| which isrotatablyjournalled on the shaft |39'(Figs. 2 and 3). In order to assure upwardmovement of the elevator mecha,- nism 99 `is effected from the cam M0 byoperau the cam M0, a tension spring Mila is connected between the cranklever 4|`| 'and the frame 53 of the packaging machine in thev manner.shown in Fig. 2; The spring Mia may be eliminated by using a cam of thepositive return or positive motion type in place of the cam M3, in viewof the fact that in such an arrangement the cam follower M3 is held inpositive engagement with the cam at all times.

The drive for the turn-over unit 29T and for the dauber unit 21| isobtained from an extended portion35|a of the cross shaft 35|. Theportion 35|@ extends longitudinally of the cross bar of the T-shapedframe 5| to the cross shaft 295 which supports the cams 3| and 281 whichhave beenl described,l The extended portion 3510il is.

connectedV to the cross shaft 29e-by a pas; @imiter gears M9 (Figs. 2and '7).

TheV incoming conveyor 59, as before noted,V

is driven from a separate `source of power, which, in the illustratedunit, comprises a combined electric motor and speed reducer unit 42|illustrated in Fig. 2. The unit 42| includes an output sprocket 423which is connected to a sprocket 425 on the supporting shaft 66 for thedelivery pulley of the conveyor 59 by a drive chain 427 (Fig. 2). 299 isalso driven by a separate .motor and speed reducer unit 429.

The various cam followers and supports-there@- for are provided withsprings to maintain the followers in engagement with their associatedcams. For the purpose of clarifying the draw-- ings these springs have.been indicated by a..dia grammatic representation of a tension springdesignated as S which extends between axed point and the cam follower orits associated operating arm. For example, see Fig. 9 wherethe.v

spring S for the follower 358 extends between the fixed guide members|60 and the bell crank` lever |13.

Operation.

Int operation, the incoming, uncovered boxesofmaterial areV deliveredonto the conveyor 59..withthe longitudinal axes thereof disposed atright angles to the line of movementof the conveyor.

The conveyor 59 advanf-.es-the box ontothe verti-vcally reciprocatingelevator unitY 59 which liftsthe boxes one by one-to. a position wherethe hinged cover structure is at least'` partiallyat-'f tached to thebox.

The blank33. which. is. .ultimately formed intol the hingedcoverstructure is removed from the magazine IM by thevacuum pick-01T unit |49and deposited. uponv the. table i6 During the period the blank is heldby the` pick-,off unit |49, the

control valve |59, under the.. actuation of the.v

cam 303 applying vacuum. to. theunit` |49 Aand.

breaking the vacuum whenthe blank is deposited..

on the table |6|. After the blank 3.3 is depositedv upon the table ISI,the pusher unit. |05. under the actuation of thecam 36,4 movestheblank..

longitudinally of the tablesl 0| into thefirstsetof propelling rolls 8I.

and 39 and the end flaps- 4|.1

After passing over the applicator disks-IBI. the blank is engaged by thesecondlset ofgprorA pelling rolls 2|| which direct the blank intothe:first and second sets 2|9 and 229 of creasing:

rolls. These creasingrolls, co-acting., Withthe. rods 221, fold theblank into an elongated chan..-l nel-shaped section having aps at eachend of each of the sides of the channel section and at. the top thereof.

tion on the box is eected by ther` cam driven.

indexing mechanism 245.

As soon as the cover is indexed over the box', the plunger mechanism|I`| actuated by the camy 409 is operable to `move the cross head IISintoy engagement with the box thereby moving. the. box into the guideway81. Incident to the ini,-

As illustrated, the transfer conveyorr The blank 33v isthenprof.Y pelledacross a set ofadhesive, applicator. disks..

which apply the strips; ofV adhesive 47. and. 49. (Figs. 14D, 14d( and14a)l to theside panels. 35.

This channel-shaped, formed blank as it leaves the second set ofcreasing rollstial movement of the box by the cross head H9, the foldingplates |2l act upon the end naps 4| associated with the side 39 of thecover structure, that side being disposed rearwardmost along the line ofmovement of the conveyor 59. This engagement folds the naps 4I againstthe ends of the box Il. The box then appears as shown in Fig. 14d of thedrawings. Continued movement of the plunger mechanism ll'l forces thebox into the guideway 81, and incident to this movement, the end flaps43 on the forwardmost side of the cover are folded rearwardly across theflaps which have been folded by the folding plates I2I, the box Il beingemployed as a mandrel.

The operation of the blank forming mechanism and the elevator unit 69 iseffected in timed relation by the various actuating cams so that afolded blank is propelled over the filled box on each upward movement ofthe reciprocating elevator unit E9. The movement of the box from theelevator into the guideway 8l is effected at substantially the uppermostpoint in the movement of the elevator unit 69.

As succeeding boxes are partially covered at the top of the elevatorstroke and are moved into the guideway 8l, the boxes in the guideway 81are moved longitudinally by the pressure of the following boxes. Whilethe box is in the guideway 8l the spring biased side walls 9i and .3

the pressure plates 93 along the top of the box serve to hold the coverstructure firmly against the filled box. This permits the adhesive toset thereby attaching the sides and 39 of the cover structure and theend aps lll to the asso- 1 ciated side and end walls of the box. Theboxes move along the guideway Bl to a point where the tabs 45 associatedwith the top panel Si are engaged by a dauber unit 265 whichreciprocates vertically in timed relation with the other elements whichhave been described to apply a daub of adhesive to the underside of thetab. At this point, the box appears as shown in Fig. 14e of thedrawings.

At the end of the guidevvay 8l the boxes are forced one by one into theturning unit 29? which grasps the ends of the box and lowers it to thetransfer tray 321 while, at the same time, rotating the box 90. The topof the box then faces forwardly along the line of movement of theholding conveyor 299. When the box is in position at the entrance to theholding conveyor 299, the ejector mechanism 329 moves forwardly to forcethe box into the holding conveyor 299. The movement into the conveyor299 effects the folding of the tabs d5 against the flaps i3 to effect anattachment therebetween. Successive movements of the ejector mechanism329 cause the holding conveyor 299 to become filled and, during the timethat the box is in the holding conveyor 299, the adhesive daub holdingthe end tabs 45 to the fiaps 43 sets to provide a permanent bond. Theoperation of the turning unit fdl and the ejector mechanism 329 is timedwith the operation of the elevator unit E9 and the plunger mechanism lllso that a box is taken from the discharge end of the guideway t? everytime a box is introduced into the guideway Sl by the plunger mechanismIl'l.

It will be seen from this description of the operation of the preferredembodiment of the apparatus that a tight fitting cover structure isapplied to each box, since the box itself is employed as a mandrel forforming the cover structure. The operation is extremely efficient sincethere are a minimum number of moving parts and the feature of turningthe box and forcing it into the guideway 299 eliminates the need forcomplicated apparatus for folding the tabs 115. In a commercialembodiment of the machine which has been described, it has been possibleto efficiently cover over about boxes per minute.

Various features of the invention which are believed to be new are setforth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a machine of the class described for applying a cover to a boxhaving side walls and end walls, said cover comprising a top panelhaving a tab at each end thereof and side panels, each of said sidepanels having a flap associated with each end thereof, means for foldingsaid cover into an open-ended, channel-shaped section, means for movingsaid channel-shaped section in the direction of its channel, means foraligning the box to be covered with the moving channel-shaped sectionwhereby said section is moved lengthwise of said box into coveringrelation therewith, movable means for folding the flaps associated withone of said side panels against the ends of said box and for moving saidbox into engagement with stationary means proportioned to fold the flapsassociated with the other of said side panels against the rst foldedflaps and for holding said flaps in a closed position, and means forfolding said tabs into sealing relation with the set of aps folded bysaid stationary folding means.

2. In a machine of the class described for applying a cover to anelongated box having side walls and end walls, said cover comprising atop panel having a tab at each end thereof and side panels, each of saidside panels having a ap associated with each end thereof, said flaps,tabs, and panels constituting a generally rectangular blank, means forfolding said blank into an open-ended, channel-shaped section, means forpropelling said section in a direction parallel to its longitudinalaxis, means for applying adhesive to the sides of said channel-shapedsection, means for aligning the box to be covered with the movingchannel-shaped section whereby said section is moved lengthwise of saidbox into covering relation therewith, reciprocating means for foldingthe flaps associated with one of said side panels into engagement withthe ends of said box, means defining a passageway, said reciprocatingmeans forcing said box into said passageway thereby effecting thefolding of the iiaps associated with the other of said side walls, saidpassageway holding said flaps in a closed position, means for applyingadhesive to said tabs, and means for folding said tabs into sealingrelation with the set of flaps folded by the entrance of said box intosaid passageway.

3. In a machine of the class described for applying a cover to a boxhaving side walls and end walls, said cover comprising a top panelhaving a tab at each end thereof and side panels, each of said sidepanels having a flap associated with each end thereof, means for foldingsaid cover into an open-ended, channel-shaped section, means forpropelling said section in the direction of its channel, means foraligning the box to be covered with the moving channelshaped sectionwhereby said section is moved lengthwise of said box into coveringrelation therewith, reciprocating means for folding the iiaps associatedwith one of said side panels l' acrossv the endsof said box and formoving said box inf a direction normal to its longitudinal axis, meansdefining a rst passageway .tor receiving said box as it is moved by saidreciprocating means, thereby effecting the folding of the apsyassociated with the other of side walls.

across the first folded naps, said first passageway holding said aps ina closed position, a secondpassageway proportioned to receive said box,vmeans for engaging the ends of said boxin said first passageway anddelivering said :box into said second passageway, said box being ro'-tated incidentto the. movement from saidfiirst passageway to saidsecond'passageway whereby thewtop of said'box' enters said secondpassagewayiirst, saidV tabsbeing folded into sealingA relationv withthe' set ci i'iaps folded by the entrance of said-b'ox-into said firstpassageway as anaincident to being delivered to said second`whereby'saidsection is moved lengthwise oi the0 box into coveringrelation therewith, reciprocat ing meansv for folding the napsassociated with one of said side panels across the ends of said box andfor-moving said box ina-direction normal to' its longitudinal axis,means defining aiirst passagewayifor receiving the box as it is moved bysaid. reciprocating means, thereby eiiecting thefolding of the napsassociated with the other of said-side walls across the rstfolded-flaps, said rst passageway holding said flaps in a closeposition, a-second passageway'proportioned tol receive the box, a vpairof rotatably supported arms for'engaging the ends of ae-ox in said firstpassageway and delivering that box into said secon-ol` passageway,the'box being rotated incident to the movement from said firstpassageway to said sec-U ond passageway whereby the top `of the boxispositionedY to enter said second passageway, and reciprocating ejectormeans for-movingA the box intosaid second passageway, saidv tabs beingfolded into sealingrelation with the set oi flaps folded by the entranceof said box into said first passageway as an incident to being movedintok said'second passageway.

5. In a machine of the class described for ap"- plying a cover to anelongated box having side Walls and end walls, said cover comprising atop panel having a tab at each end thereof and side' panels, each ofsaid side panels having a' nap associated with each end thereof, saidYnaps, tabs,

andv panels constituting a generally rectangularv sageway for'receiving' the box as it ismovedby' said reciprocatingrmeans, therebyYeecting the folding of the flapsassociated with the other of? said sidewalls 'across` the rst folded flaps', said` first passageway'holding'said flaps in a closedposition, a second passagewayproportionedto re'- ceive the box, a-pair of rotatably supported arms for engagingthe ends oi a box in said rst 'passageway and delivering `that box intosaid'second passageway, means for rotating said arms tomove a box fromsaid first passageway in timed relationY with the delivery of-a box tosaid first passageway'- by said. reciprocating means, the box beingrotated incident to the movement from said 'rst passageway to saidsecond passageway whereby the top4 of the box is positioned to entersaid second passageway' and reciprocating ejector ineans-for'mov-- ingthe boxinto said second passageway, sai-d tabs-1 being folded intosealing relation with theset of naps folded by the entrance-of saidbox-into saidfirst passageway as an incident to being` moved into saidsecond passageway.

5. In a machine ci' the -olass described for ap'-l plying a covercomprisingfa top panel andside panels, end flaps being associated witheachof said side panels, .to a box having side walls andend walls, meansdefining apassageway having dimensions which are approximately those ofthe box being covered, means for indexing said cover over said boxwith'the top panel and side panelsv of said cover overlying the top Vandsides of said box, and means vfor moving said box into said'p'as---sagewaywith said cover overlying said' box,gthemovement of said box-intosaid passageway beingU operable to fold the flaps at the ends of one ofsaid side panels into engagement with the ends of said box.

7. In a machine of the class described for applying a covercomprising atop panel and'side panels, end iiaps being associated with each off saidside panels, to an elongated box having sidev walls and end walls, aconveyor for the incomingboxes to be covered, means dening a passagewayhaving dimensions which` are approximately those of the box beingcovered, means intermediate said conveyor and said passageway forengaging one ofA said incoming boxes and for Inovingfit into position toreceive said cover, means for indexing said cover over said box with thetop panel and side panels of said cover `overlying the top and'sides of"said box, and means for moving said box into said passageway including areciprocating plunger; means on said plunger for folding the end flapsAon he side engaged by said plunger into enga-gement with the ends oisaid box, the movement ofu said box into said passageway under theaction of said plunger being operable to fold said flaps associated withthe other'V of' said side panels into a position overlying the flapsfolded by'said plunger.'

8. In a machine or the class described for applyng a cover comprising. atop panel and side panels, end flaps being associated withY each of saidside panels, to an elongated box having side walls and end walls, aconveyor for the incoming"n means for forming said cover structure intoachannel-shaped section, means for movingxsaid channel-shaped sectionlongitudinallyof said" accesso box as it is positioned in alignment withsaid passageway until the top panel and side panels of said coveroverlie the top and sides of said box, and means `for moving said boxinto said passageway including a reciprocating plunger, means on saidplunger for folding the end aps on the side engaged by said plunger intoengagement with the ends of said box, the movement of said box into saidpassageway under the action of said plunger being operable to fold saidflaps associated with the other of said side panels into a positionoverlying the flaps folded by said plunger.

9. In a machine of the class described for applying a cover comprising atop panel and side panels having flaps associated with each end thereof,to an elongated box having side walls and end walls, a conveyor for theincoming boxes to be covered, means defining a passageway havingcross-sectional dimensions which are approximately equal to those of thebox being covered, said passageway-defining means being verticallyspaced relative to said conveyor, means intermediate said conveyor andsaid passageway for engaging said box and for moving it from saidconveyor to a position in alignment with said passageway, means forforming said cover structure into a channel-shaped section, means formoving said channel-shaped section longitudinally of said box as it ispositioned in alignment with said passageway, said lastmentioned meansincluding a pair of rolls lfor propelling the channelshaped sectionlongitudinally of said box, and a reciprocating indexing means forindexing said cover over said box with the top panel and side panels ofsaid cover overlying the top and sides of said box, and means for movingsaid box into said passageway including a reciprocating plunger, andmeans on said plunger for folding the flaps on the side panel eng-agedby said plunger into engagement with the ends of said box. the movementof said box into said passageway under the action of said plunger beingoperable to fold the aps associated with the other of said side panelsinto a position overlying the naps folded by said plunger.

10. In a machine of the class described in which a plane, elongatedblank of paperboard is formed into a channel-shaped section having a topand depending side Walls, means for propelling the blank longitudinallyof the central area of the blank which area is to become the top of saidchannel-shaped section, a rst pair of rolls disposed along the line ofmovement of said blank, one of said first pair of rolls being engagedagainst each side of said blank, each of said first pair of rolls havingperipheral surfaces which are proportioned to extend across and toengage the central portion of said blank over a width which correspondsto the Width of the top of the channel-shaped section to be formed,means for folding the marginal portions of said blank downwardly to atleast partially form the channelshaped section while the central portionof said blank is held between said first pair of rolls, a second pair ofrolls positioned to engage one end of said blank before the other endthereof leaves said first pair of rolls, said second pair of rollsincluding a roll for engaging each of the surfaces of the top of saidpartially formed channelshaped section, one of said rolls being providedwith a flange which extends radially outwardly from said roll and whichextends across the edge of the peripheral surface of the other of saidsecond pair of rolls, whereby movement of 18 said partially formedchannel section between said second set of rolls completes the foldingof said section into a channel-shaped section having side walls whichare disposed at substantially right angles to the top thereof.

1l. In a machine of the class described in which a plane, elongatedblank of paper board is formed into a channel-shaped section having atop and depending side walls, means for propelling the blanklongitudinally of the central area of the blank which area is to becomethe top of said channel-shaped section, a rst pair of rolls disposedalong the line of movement of said blank, one o-f said rst pair of rollsbeing engaged against each side of said blank, each of said first pairof rolls having peripheral surfaces which are proportioned toextendacross and to engage th-e central portion of said blank over a widthwhich corresponds to the width of the top of the channel-shaped sectionto be formed, means for folding the marginal portions of said blankdownwardly to at least partially form the channel-shaped section whilethe central portion of said blank is held between said first pair ofrolls, including a pair of rods one of which is positioned on each sideof said rolls, said rods being located to engage the marginal portionsof said blank and to direct those portions downwardly incident to themovement of said blank longitudinally between said `iirst pair of rolls,a second pair of rolls positioned to engage one end of said blank beforethe other end Athereof leaves said first pair of rolls, said second pairof rolls including a roll for engaging each of the surfaces of thecentral area of said partially formed channel-shaped section, one ofsaid rolls being provided with a flange which extends radially outwardlyfrom said roll and which extends across the edge of the peripheralsurface of the other of said said second pair of rolls, whereby movementof said partially formed channel section between said second set ofrolls completes the folding of said section into a channel-shapedsection having side walls which are disposed at substantially rightangles to the top thereof.

12. The method of covering an elongated, rectangular box with anoverlying cover structure which includes side walls and a top,comprising the steps of forming Va generally rectangular blank havingadjacent portions thereof proportioned to overlie the top and sides ofsaid box into a channel-shaped section, positioning said box with itsupper surface substantially in the plane of the top of saidchannel-shaped section, said channel-shaped section being spaced apartfrom said box and in longitudinal axial alignment therewith, and movingsaid channel-shaped section longitudinally of said box into registeringrelation therewith so that the top and side walls of said channel-shapedsection register with the open top and side Walls of said box.

13. The method of covering a box with an overlying cover structure whichincludes side walls and a top, comprising the steps of applying adhesiveto selected portions of a generally rectangular blank having adjacentportions thereof proportioned to overlie the top and sides of said box,forming said rectangular blank into a channel-shaped section such thatsaid selected portions are on the side walls of said channel-shapedsection, positioning said box in longitudinally spaced, axial alignmentwith said channel-shaped section, moving said channel-shaped sectionlongitudinally of said box into registering relation therewith so thatthe top and side walls of said hannelfshaped section overlie the opentop lfnd' side, Atialls,n esptively, of Said boi, vand applying piesfsuetothe'sid'es of sadboi'and vchanne'llshap'ed fseotion "to'adlfiesiv'elyiinite' said onannel-shaped section to'tlie sideifwvallsof-s'aid box.

14'.V Ina rnachine f the class described for applyi'ng' a coifei't-a boxhaving' side Walls and en d Walls'said coverA eoinpris'inga top panelhaving atab at"eafliv en d tlieeo'f and side panels, each of 'said side'panels having snap' associated with each: endVv thereof,A rneansforAfolding vsaid cover Opn-ended, n',channel-shaped section, xneansforinov'in aid channel-shaped section in 'n of it enamel, means foraligning meses fer 'feidi'g' e' flamand ieee 'Sealing 'rele @f1 With. eHep. et, eeeh ehfd efeaicd eeYer-f 'i' "i In' a "mchine of the classdescribed for epnlyne a ever' te en` elneatedbex having eide Walls' andend Welle' Seid ee'ver Comprising ,a tele panel. hai/ine web @teach endthereof eed Side panels, eaph of said side panels having av nap @e,eleted with` eeeh eed thereof. Said Hans, tabs, and panels eenetitutinga' generally rectangular blank, means for folding said blank into anopenf ended, channel-shaped section, means for' pijope'lling saidsection Vvin a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis',"rneansfoi-aligning the box to be covered with' A`the moving 'channelishapedsection iii/hereby` said section'is' noied lengthwise ofv said box intocovei'ingrelatin theeivith, ifeciprocating means for'. folding-the 'napsassociated with one of said side'panels into engagement with the ends of said 'boxfmean's dening'apassageway, vsaidrecipoeating Vrneans forcngAsaid box into said passageway` thereby effecting. the folding of theflaps associated with the-otliet of said side Walls; said passageway'holding'` 4said flaps ina closed psitioifi, rnea'ns for applyingadliesve to said talos, andnieans' for:A folding? said tabs 'ovei' bothof'said aps andinto sealing-relanon with a nap 'at eaten Vemirof saidcover."

" JOHN RIEMER.

REFERENCES CITED The renewing reiereeeee are oi reeerd ie the file ofthis patent; i

UNITI-TED. 'ff? Number Name Date 714,032 Reuling; Nov. 18, 19021,997,718' ClaifV Apr. 16', 1935 2,292,840 Martindell Apr. 11, 19422,298,363 Ganz Oct. 13.', 1942 2,379,920. Peters L July 10, 19452,512,074 Sandberg lune 20, 1.950

